Predator hunting

I sm not familiar with that call. I have a Primos Alpha Dog that works OK, but I have called them in with a cheaper one. If you can find an experienced friend that you can learn from, it will save you time and money, Hunting in thick woods will be tough. The critters have plenty of cover to circle you to get down wind and you'll never see them. If I was to buy a new call, I would go with a FoxPro. Look at different models and read the reviews, then buy what you can afford. Don't need to shell out 100s of dollars for the most expensive FoxPro, but $200 should get you the call you need. If you have the opportunity, try to learn to use a mouth call. It is easier to slip into the woods when you aren't trying to haul a bunch of equipment. Forget the shooting table and mat. Just take the call, your well-camoflaged self, your firearm, and a bipod of some sort. There is a lot more could tell you, but I'm out of time. Good luck.

I used to hunt Venango as a kid, my uncle has a camp on the Allegheny. Coyote hunting used to be pretty good there, as well as trapping. But I have heard reports that much of those critters aren't around as often... but it could be just rumors.

I know my uncle just used electronic calls and spotlights, if I recall. I never hunted predators with him, but he made it seem like it was no big deal (never really worried much about scents or fancy gear, he just went out and did it. But of course, he was an animal whisperer)

Google up varmint hunting forums, there is a bunch of them out there and they have some pretty good info in them.
Fox pro has a web site and you can see and hear a bunch of different sounds. I have one of the early fox pros and I'm very happy with it. My grandson, who is tech savvy made his from his mp-3 player and a speaker. He has more sounds than I do and his caller works great. having said that I will add that a mouth call is needed for different sounds and when battteries go dead.
We also never stay on a set longer than 20 minutes.

I have no experience with that electronic call but if you are serious about predator calling I'd recommend looking into Foxpro. The Wildfire 2 at $200 new is a good deal (allpredatorcalls.com will program whatever sounds you want). A used Spitfire would be a good option as well for probably around $120, maybe less.

There's a learning curve to calling predators successfully and most guys give up before they master it. Once you get the hang of it, it's a fun as any other kind of hunting in my opinion. Some days prduce nothing however, just like deer hunting, and people give up easily. If you are not sure if you are serious about it, I suggest hand calls to start ( I suggest this regardless). You'll want them anyway as stated previously like when you run out of batteries etc. The Primos Lil Dog is a good one, especially with the Mastering the Art DVD. Other good calls: Psyco Tweety, Primos Cat Nip
http://callingcoyotes.com/product/randy-andersonprimos-mastering-the-arts-dvd-lil-dog/

The DVD teaches you how to use the open reed call and this technique can be applied to all open reed calls. Open reed calls are very effective even if you only learn prey sounds and zero coyote sounds. I have a FoxPro Wildfire but I still hand call often because they are louder and they work. I do alright.

As far as technique, that's an expansive topic and I recommend looking at the predator-based forums for that advice. You'll get more of it at those forums. Most important is to get out there and call, you won't kill anything at you computer except a 6-pack. One thing I will comment on is stand length, if you are targeting bobcats at all I recommend staying 30 minutes. Minimum of 15 and I don't like to leave before 20 minutes for any predator but that 20-30 minute period is good especially for cats.

Good luck, it's worth spending the time/money to get into it.

You need to look at PA's hunting regs before you do anything. Electronic calls may not be legal.
Raccoons are game animals, not predators in most places. Coyotes, fox, bobcat will likely fall under different categories too. Wiley may not have a season, but Reynard and Kitty are likely under fur bearers.
Then you need to think suitable cartridges and bullets. Varmint calibres with commercial FMJ's(Legalities assumed. Some places ban FMJ's altogether. Commercial FMJ's are not the same as military ball.) are good for hide hunting. Varmint bullets make great big holes and ruin hides. Best to forget thick bush though.

Best to forget thick bush though.

Click to expand...

Forget the rifle. Thick brush is dynamite. Call them in and shotgun them at 20yards.

Predator hunting.

Along with your animal caller you will need a fairly accurate rifle and some ammo.

If you don't want the fur yourself, you might contact a trapper in your area
that would want the fur, or team up with another hunter that does. It's a shame just to waste the fur when there are trappers and other hunters that likely
have that as an important source of extra income. They could explain how to take care of it after it's shot to when you drop it off so it doesn't spoil or get the fur damaged ( like laying on bare metal in the back of a truck for one and losing guard hairs). OYE